Have you ever tried Tofu? Tofu, also know is bean curd, is usually made by coagulating soy milk and pressing the curds into soft white blocks.

It was first made during the Chinese Han Dynasty about 2000 years ago! Tofu is prevalent in Asian and West African cuisines, comes in soft, medium, firm, and extra firm blocks, and has a subtle flavor. It is used in both sweet and savory dishes. It is often seasoned or marinated to suit the dish.

Tofu is low in calories and pretty high on protein and Iron. It can also be high in calcium and magnesium depending on what is used to make it.

As I mentioned earlier Tofu is usually made with soy milk, but recently they’ve started making Almond, Egg, Sesame, and Peanut Tofus. I haven’t tried the other varieties, I stick with regular Soy Tofu because it’s the easiest to find and probably the least expensive.

Now having said all that doesn’t it sound like the next best wonder food? I’m not sure about that, but it is a great alternative when you’re on a diet or are watching your fat intake.

I see Tofu as a blank canvas. It’s mostly bland so you can use it in many things to add more protein and calcium. I add it to stir-fries and lumpia (Filipino egg rolls) where it sort of acts as a healthy filler. But every now and then I make it as my main meatless dish or as a side dish. It’s a great addition to grilled meats!

Here is one of my favorite recipes, I call it Fried Tofu with Asian Sauce. You can serve it as a vegan main course with steamed rice or as a side dish. It goes well with Spicy Korean Kalbi Skewers and Salt & Pepper Shrimp! Best of all it’s easy and quick to make!

You can serve it hot or cold! If you want to serve it cold you can make it a few hours ahead of time and chill in the refrigerator. As a side dish I love it cold!

Fried Tofu with Asian Sauce

Ingredients:

1 Block Firm Tofu

3 Tbs. Sesame Oil (2 Tbs. for frying, the remaining for the sauce)

1/4 Cup Rice Vinegar (you can find this in Asian Markets, if you can’t you may substitute with Apple Cider Vinegar)

1/4 Cup Soy Sauce

White Sesame Seeds for garnish

Fried Tofu directions:

Cut the block of Tofu into 1″ Cubes

Heat 2 Tbs. Sesame Oil

Fry Cubes in hot oil until all sides are slightly brown. Watch closely as it fries and turn gently stir cubes so that all sides brown.

Tocino is a cured process meat product famous and native in Philippines. We got this dish from the Spanish who dominated Philippines for long time ago. Tocino is a Spanish word which is used to describe cured meats. It is made from beef, chicken or “Pork Tocino”. The preparation is quite similar to bacon and ham. It is often reddish in color and has a sweet and savory taste.

Today, I will give you my version of Pork Tocino (Sweet Cured Pork) Homemade Recipe! Enjoy!

Ingredients:

1 kilo pork belly (ham, butt or shoulder) cut into ¼ inch thin

¼ cup fruit juice (pineapple, apple) – optional

¼ tsp. natural red food coloring –optional

¾ cup brown sugar

2 tbsp. rice vinegar

3 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 tbsp. soy sauce

11/2 tbsp. salt

½ tbsp. finely ground black pepper

Directions:

Combine all ingredients except for the pork slices in a big bowl and mix until well blended.

Add the pork and mix together using hand gloves to avoid stains then mix for several minutes to an hour.

Transfer to a container with cover and let it sit overnight.

Mix again for a couple of times before putting in the fridge. Cure for 24 hours or up to
3 days.

And it’s ready to cook. You can cook and stir it with or without cooking oil. It’s up to you.